People stand next to empty fire cracker shells inside the compound of a temple after a fire broke out at the temple in Kollam. Photo: Reuters

Over 100 people were killed and nearly 400 injured in a devastating fire triggered by a firecracker show at a temple in Kerala's Kollam yesterday. However, the Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages about 1,255 temples in Kerala, has rejected demands to ban use of firecrackers during festivals.

Over 100 people were killed and nearly 400 injured in a devastating fire triggered by a firecracker show at a temple in Kerala's Kollam yesterday. However, the Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages about 1,255 temples in Kerala, has rejected demands to ban use of firecrackers during festivals.

"Democratic systems should not intervene in matters of religion. Religion and its traditions came much before Constitution was in place. Even if court allows women in Sabarimala, how many would go?" said Devaswom Board president Prayar Goapalakrishnan.

"In various temples fireworks display is part of temple rituals and we cannot ban it", he added.

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had said yesterday that the government could impose regulations on the display of fireworks, but cannot ban them.

"In the name of rituals and traditions, we have limitations. We can regulate them (display of fireworks) but not ban them", he said.

A devastating fire had engulfed the 100-year-old Puttingal Devi Temple complex in Kollam during an unauthorised display of fireworks on Sunday, leaving 109 dead.

The incident has come at a time when parties are busy campaigning for election on 141 Assembly seats in Kerala. The state will vote on May 16.